Queens officials sponsor book giveaway at Jackie Robinson School

By Naeisha Rose

The Jackie Robinson School (PS 15) in St. Albans will be the site of a major book giveaway Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for individuals of all ages. State Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), other Queens officials, the American Federation of Teachers, the NAACP and the United Federation of Teachers will give away 40,000 brand new books to students, families, and educators, according to Comrie.

“Our book giveaway will allow parents to begin or build upon home libraries as well as enable teachers to select books that will further enrich the minds of their students,” said Comrie. “I thank the individuals of the UFT Queens Borough Office and our fantastic co-sponsors for their commitment to our communities.”

The May 5 event, which will be located at 121-15 Lucas St. (entrance 121st Avenue), will have a range of books for toddlers to seniors, according to Hyndman’s office.

Families can receive up to 20 books and educators 50, according to the assemblywoman’s office.

First Book, a nonprofit that provides books to underserved schools and students, will be providing the children literature that the elected officials will giveaway.

Participants who want to attend the event, however, will have to fill out a book registration form prior to the Saturday event, which must be signed and scanned to an email, according to Hyndman.

Individuals can find out about the form and where to send it by contacting Hyndman’s office at (718)-723-5412.

The Queens-elected officials are also asking for volunteers to help unload and organize the books from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and anyone interested should call Hyndman’s office for details.

“Education doesn’t end when a child leaves the classroom,” said the United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew. “As teachers, we know that reading at home plays a huge role in a child’s development, which is why we are proud to partner with First Book to provide students with age-appropriate materials inside and outside the classroom.”

The other sponsors of the event include Borough President Melinda Katz, City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village).

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.